Cigar Review: Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu No. 5
14 Jun 2011
Pete Johnson’s newest release of the Havana VI Verocu blend, the No. 5, arrived on the market last summer. The 4-inch by 40-ring gauge No. 5 is the smallest release of the blend and it is also markedly cheaper than the other releases with a retail price of only $4.50 each.
Also, unlike the other Verocu releases (which have been one-time releases) the No. 5 is a regular production cigar that will be available long-term. It is sold in cabinets of 50 and does not feature a band. (We’ve also reviewed the Verocu East, West, and Tubo.)
The small cigar features a Nicaraguan habano wrapper with binder and filler tobaccos also from Nicaragua. The wrapper is dark, slightly oily, and shows minimal veining. Pre-light, it smells of black pepper and hay. Construction appears to be excellent with no soft spots and a perfectly applied triple cap.
After lighting the No. 5 reveals initial flavors of leather, cedar, and a light spice. There is an ample amount of creamy smoke and a perfect draw. As the first third nears an end, the spice ramps up and the cedar flavor almost disappears.
The spice later fades somewhat and the cigar becomes more floral, especially on the retrohale. The burn maintains a razor-like sharpness and the light gray ash is fairly flaky. In the last third, the spice returns and takes on an almost cloven flavor.
Overall, the No. 5 is a fantastic 45-minute smoke with good complexity and meandering flavors that are often lacking from similarly sized cigars. Since the release of the No. 5, I have smoked almost a full cabinet and my experience has always been consistent. The only caveat is that, when smoked too quickly, the No. 5 can become acrid, but this issue is resolved if you give it some rest and are mindful of your smoking pace. With an approachable price point and complexity not often found in that price range, the Tatuaje Havana VI Verocu No. 5 earns the coveted rating of five stogies out of five.
[To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here. A list of other five stogie-rated cigars can be found here.]
photo credit: Stogie Guys
Patrick Ashby
Co-Founder & Editor in Chief
Patrick Semmens
Co-Founder & Publisher
George Edmonson
Tampa Bureau Chief
Completely agree. This and the Tatuaje Petit Cazadores Reserva (also in the 4×40 format and available for around $200 for cab of 50) have made this a favorite size of mine… perfect for when you've got 30-45 minutes.
Didn't know about this size. Will have to check it out.
Anyone know if Holt's still has/will be getting more of the Verocu #9? Not sure if that was limited run or full production.
This is a good cigar. However the Tatuaje Petit Cazadores is a much better smoke for my tastes. Good review.
Nice review Patrick. I'm almost half done w/ my #5 box and will likely pickup another.